In a significant development aimed at enhancing weather observation and forecasting in the Philippines, representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recently visited the DILG Regional Office 5 last May 30, 2023.

Mr. Hideyuki Sasaki, Mr. Hiroshi Satoda, Ms. Chiho Mototani, and Ms. Thea Mendoza from JICA, along with Mr. Dan Dominic A. Triumfante and Ken B. Occidental from PAGASA, met with DILG 5 Local Government Capacity Development Division, led by Division Chief, LGOO VII Ma. Ruthel P. Gigantoca, Assistant Division Chief Mae C. Clemente, and LGOO II April Dawn Daep, to gather valuable insights on the Capability Enhancement for High-Quality Weather Observation, Forecast, Warning, and Information in the Philippines, also known as the JPOW-2 project.

The Japanese team engaged in a productive discussion, posing specific queries related to the DILG’s response during extreme weather events, the utilization of information from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), as well as the responses of Local Government Units (LGUs) upon receiving vital information from the DILG.

Spanning from February 2021 to February 2024, the JPOW-2 project has identified the municipality of Nabua in Camarines Sur as one of its target areas. In preparation for forthcoming workshops related to the initiative, the Japanese experts also visited the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Nabua. LGOO V Ervin J. Belano, the Officer-in-Charge of the Municipal Local Government Operations Office (MLGOO) in Nabua, assisted with their visit and provided valuable support and coordination.

The partnership between Japanese experts, JICA, and the DILG 5 showcases a shared commitment to bolstering weather forecasting capabilities and preparedness in the Philippines. With improved observation and forecasting techniques, the nation can better safeguard its citizens and minimize the adverse impacts of extreme weather events.